Angh Triumphs at TIFF 2026: A New Milestone for Indian Cinema
The film Angh, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Theja Rio, has made history by winning the prestigious Platform Competition at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. This victory not only brings recognition to the film but also secures its eligibility for the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards. Angh premiered at TIFF to enthusiastic audiences, who praised its heartfelt storytelling and powerful depiction of a fading world.
Angh stood out as the only Indian film in the Platform Competition this year. This competitive section highlights innovative storytelling and is aimed at showcasing distinctive directorial voices. Winning in this category automatically qualifies the film for consideration at the Oscars, a significant achievement for any filmmaker.
Produced by Nancy Nisa Beso and Theja Rio, Angh is being represented for both national and international distribution by Jungle Book Studio, which acquired the film’s international sales rights prior to its premiere at TIFF.
Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Theja Rio expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “This is a special moment not just for me, but for everyone involved in Angh. It’s quite rare for a debut film to gain such recognition. We created Angh out of love for my homeland, my people, and our culture. At its core, the film explores the bond between a father and son, intertwined with the themes of letting go and the transient nature of life. These universal emotions resonate with everyone. Witnessing Angh connect with audiences beyond our own community has been incredibly moving.”
Producer Nancy Nisa Beso shared her thoughts on the collaboration, describing it as one of the most significant partnerships of her career. She noted the film’s long journey from a short film to a feature, emphasizing the dedication and belief they had in sharing this story. “So many people contributed their talents and resources to make Angh a reality,” she said. “Recognition like this inspires others to tell their own stories in their unique voices.”
Executive producer Gaurav Dhingra remarked on the film’s groundbreaking nature, emphasizing its roots in Nagaland. He expressed pride in seeing Angh bring an Indigenous community’s voice to the global stage and highlighted the importance of authentic storytelling in cinema.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Nagaland, Angh tells the story of a Konyak village chief and his son, who strive to preserve their ancestral traditions amid significant change. The film is shot on 16mm film and features both an Indigenous Naga cast and BAFTA-winning actor Douglas Henshall, weaving together themes of tradition, faith, family, and cultural evolution.
Angh’s success at TIFF marks a crucial chapter not only for its creators but also for Indian independent cinema as a whole, paving the way for future storytellers to share their experiences authentically.
